PROJECT
Estudi Rec
Barcelona, Spain
Estudi Rec
Barcelona, Spain
LEAD STUDIO
AB12 Studios
CONCEPT & VISUALS
AB12 Studios
AB12 Studios
CONCEPT & VISUALS
AB12 Studios
Estudi Rec reimagines a compact urban dwelling into a warm and versatile living space, balancing contemporary comfort with heritage elements. Located in the heart of El Born, just steps from the historic Rec Comtal, the 73 m² apartment was designed to adapt to modern living while preserving the layered character of the original structure.
At the core of the intervention is the preservation and celebration of the volta catalana ceiling, paired with exposed brick walls and natural oak finishes that soften the palette and ground the space in material honesty. The flooring in the kitchen features reclaimed hydraulic tiles from the original apartment, carefully reassembled to retain a tactile link to the past. Likewise, the original wooden doors were restored and reintegrated, adding warmth and authenticity throughout the home.
The layout was reconfigured to include a generous open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area, a main bedroom, a bathroom, and a dedicated studio. Custom carpentry, muted tones, and soft lighting help define each zone, while built-in elements, such as the dining bench, offer both comfort and smart storage solutions.
Estudi Rec is a quiet transformation, one that respects the memory of place while adapting it for contemporary urban life.
Beneath the volta catalana, a quiet home emerges, shaped by memory, softened by light, and grounded in reclaimed material beauty.
